TOTTENHAM PLUNDER THREE PAST APOEL WITH 'SUPERB' HARRY KANE'S HAT-TRICK

Champions League Group H, GSP Stadium - APOEL Nicosia 0 Tottenham 3 (Kane 39', 62', 67')

As if by magic, the wonderful finishing of the wonderful Harry Kane turned a poor Tottenham performance into a superb Tottenham victory. They sit second in Group H, behind Real Madrid on goal difference - and the two will now meet for a double-header.

Spurs actually controlled the early part of the game, but midway through the first half APOEL woke up and might have scored twice in quick succession, Igor de Camargo thrashing a shot against the bar and Carlao missing with a header. Seconds after that second chance, though, they were behind, Kane finishing expertly after he was fed by Toby Alderweireld’s excellent touch.

APOEL then started the second half well, only for Kane to kill them just after the hour with another smart finish - and no one could have been remotely surprised when, five minutes later, he glanced a delicious header into the far corner to complete his hat-trick.

That was more or less it with the serious action - APOEL were done, Spurs relaxed, and thanks to Harry Kane, a difficult night had, in just 29 minutes, morphed into a balmy evening stroll.

TALKING POINT

Spurs' high line will not work against everyone. They were missing Jan Vertonghen but that is no excuse for the space Tottenham afforded limited opponents. They don't really have the recovery pace to defend so high against good sides, and if they try it against Madrid they will find themselves in serious trouble.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) Transcendentally brilliant. His movement, first touch and finishing touch were of the highest order and the difference in the game. He is ridiculously good.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)Getty Images

PLAYER RATINGS

APOEL: Waterman 6, Vouros 5, Rueda 5, Carlao 5, Rpberto Lago 5, Morais 6, Vinicius 6, Sallai 7, Zahid 6, De Camargo 6, Aloneftis 7. Subs: Makris 6, Farias 6, Alexandrou 6.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris 5, Aurier 5, Alderweireld 6, Sanchez 6, Davies 6, Trippier 6, Dier 5, Sissoko 5, Winks 7, Son 6, Kane 10. Subs: Llorente 7, N'Koudou 6, Georgiou 6.